When we think of the summer season, we think of linen. It’s inevitable, provided you’re a man of personal taste in clothing. For our portrait of award winning Moroccan-Dutch actor Nasdrin Dchar we kicked off the inspired conversation by asking him about his very first memory of clothing. Beneath all the innumerable beautiful things this question unlocks, there lies the more sober observation that taste in clothing also has its beginning. Like everything else, it has a starting point. So, assuming that it is developed after it has begun, as it should, it becomes perfectly clear that at a certain point, when summer is emerging from balmy spring, once more, one thinks of linen. But why linen?

With this issue we are diving deep into linen. Not only into why linen is a more sustainable fiber and why it’s excellent for summer, but also into some of our linen pieces to show different ways to harness the incredible comfort and feel of linen to create styles for the occasion.

The extraordinary properties that make linen unique in the world originate in the beautiful blue flower of the plant Linum Usitatissimum, better known as flax. Linen is made from the stalks of the flax plant, the only natural fiber still widely cultivated in Western Europe. From its harvest, 100% of the plant is used for numerous purposes so there’s no waste. It’s fully recyclable and biodegradable, and because growing it requires hardly any chemicals and no irrigation, the production of linen has minimal impact on the environment.

While not a hundred percent, linen is extremely sustainable, certainly when compared to the production of cotton, for example. And that’s a good thing. Equally good it is to know that linen is hypoallergenic, anti-pilling and anti-static. It also is a powerful thermoregulator. It not only conducts heat away from the wearer, it reflects heat too. Linen does not lint and becomes softer with each wash, maintaining its texture and brightness. And it does not absorb unpleasant odors.

Great quality linen is the perfect material for those scorching summer days, due to its unmatched softness and breathability. It is also perfect for hot and humid climates in general.

Irish linen is ideal for a lightweight jacket as our khaki irish lightweight Jacket with a fancy weave is perfect for a warm summer day. Irish linen feels a bit heavier and looks sharper because historically Irish mills have spun their yarn a bit coarser than Italian mills. They also use a closer setting during weaving, making it denser. Its structure adds extra character to the jacket and ensures maximum breathability.

Worn with a polo shirt underneath might be an effective way to dress up without looking too corporate. For an ensemble that is effortlessly smart and envy-worthy, try teaming it with white chinos. To add a dressed down feel to your look, add white grain calf slip sneakers to the equation.

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Our bone lightweight suit, crafted from a stunningly refined blend of cotton and linen is notable for its comfortable stretch and crisp touch. There are some looks that will never go wrong, and our bone lightweight suit is one of them. The lightweight yet substantial blend has just the right amount of heft to not feel delicate, and its crisp, textured hand wears comfortably in warm weather.

The classic shade of bone beige has boundless wearability – it’s also a great alternative to bright white – and the subtle texture of the linen lends it a more relaxed appeal. A summer essential to wear to many occasions that you need to attend this summer and wear it with a linen shirt to capture its elevated ease. With durable, resilient structure thanks to the right amount of cotton & linen, it’s an impeccable suit that’s made for lasting style.

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One of our Italian suppliers crafts our shirts from the finest French linen. The following shirts, all 100% French linen, embody the perfect blend of comfort and functionality for those scorching summer days. French linen, renowned for its exceptional quality, boasts unmatched softness, durability and a luxurious feel. Its inherent breathability and moisture-wicking properties make it an ideal choice for hot weather. The lightweight fabric facilitates airflow, ensuring a cool and comfortable experience all day long. Whether with a olive green, a dark blue, beige, white or tan check hue, these linen shirts quickly add a touch of sophistication to summer wardrobe, transitioning from casual outings to more formal occasions.

What is your very first memory of clothing? That was the question. In response, Nasdrin shares his memory of two of the first moments in which he became very aware of clothing. Yes, personal taste in clothing does indeed begin with one or more examples. Maybe it’s your father or grandfather or both, or a movie character, you name it. Different generations remember different examples, of course, as it is obvious that taste is ultimately a perfectly personal matter. For some of us, when thinking of summer, it will be hard to avoid the association of a Mediterranean setting, recalling Alain Delon in a fine linen shirt with deep cleavage as he and Romy Schneider circle each other by the pool in Jacques Deray’s 1969 movie La Piscine. For others, watching Luca Guadagnino’s 2017 movie Call me by your name does the trick. Still others might like to refer to Ridley Scott’s 2013 movie The Counselor, as the clothing style of Michael Fassbinder’s character in the movie helped them understand that although linen shirts and shorts are meant to be just a little baggier and casual, with the right colors they still can create a sharp look.

For us, the point of sharing this handful of examples is not only to invite more examples and different memories, but crucially, to remind ourselves that developing personal taste in clothing is a lifelong journey, and a rewarding and delightful one at that.